We will be taking a break from blogging for now as we focus on working on the ground to promote entrepreneurship among fellow migrant women in Europe. But every now and then, we will feature here interviews of migrant women entrepreneurs whom we meet along the way. So please follow the blog to get a note when we have a new post. Also, we will keep sharing information and links through our facebook page, so if you haven’t followed us yet, please click on like now ;).

A workshop that we hope to launch early this year is also keeping us busy, so please watch out for news on that.

Entering the 4th week of the year, have you already set your targets for 2013?

With so much to do but limited time and resources, it’s important to know how each action will bring us closer to our goals. In order to do that we have to have our targets clear. This means having specific ones. Instead of just saying, I would like my business to be profitable this year, say, “I need to make a sales of XYZ euros this year in order for my business to be profitable”. Or instead of saying “I will lose weight this year.”, say, I will lose 5 kilograms this year. This makes it easier for us to breakdown our target into actions. In order to make that XYZ sales, how many products do I need to sell? How many clients do I need to reach? From there, plan how we will be able to reach those figures. This way we prioritize activities that takes us closer to this goal. Sometimes we get so busy with so many activities. But are all these activities necessary to reach our goals? Are we focusing on the right activities to reach them?

To help with target setting, remember the S.M.A.R.T. goals?

S – SPECIFIC As mentioned above, the goal has to be clearly defined. Be as specific as possible.

M – MEASURABLE – Translate your targets into something that you can count or measure. A number of clients? A X% increase in sales? Set milestones so you can see that you are advancing and celebrate each milestone! (That should help with keeping the motivation 🙂

A – ATTAINABLE – Be realistic about your goal. You cannot target a sales of 1000 pieces of Product X if the production capacity is only 500 pieces. Knowing your capacity, resources and the realities, what is feasible for you?

R – RELEVANT – Make sure that your target resonates with your environment and your business. Are the targets in line with your business’ mission? Are the consumers looking for this product/service? Is it the right time for this?

T – TIME-BASED – Give yourself a time-frame. This way you know how much time you have to reach the goal, to know if it’s realistic. It will also prevent you from procrastinating and giving excuses. Give yourself a deadline and do what you have to do to reach that goal.

So don’t just keep yourself busy, but get busy with things that matter. Set your target straight!

This time of the year it seems inevitable not to consider beginning again: whether it takes the shape of fresh resolve, or getting organized, there is the sense of Starting. Nola and I are also working behind the scenes on some initiatives and re-structuring here at Migrentrepreneur Women. It can be daunting, but there’s also the curious excitement of exploring new routes. How about you: are you thinking of setting off on a different path, or changing the way you’re walking a familiar one? We hope we can continue to support and inspire you on the journey! ~ d*

What everyone loves about new years is for new chances and new beginnings. So to start this year off and to greet everyone a great 2013, here’s one simple but meaningful reminder when you don’t know where and how to start…

As we look back at the year that is now closing, we remember the triumphs and the failures. We take note of the lessons learned and make sure to be guided by them in the coming year. We celebrate our achievements that inspire us to reach and accomplish more. We reach out to those who always stand beside us as we take this adventurous road of entrepreneurship. Together, we welcome the new year with all its good tidings and blessings.